David Vinsen’s dinner speech

David Vinsen, chief executive of the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA), looked back over the past 25 years during his speech at Auckland’s Pullman Hotel on October 17. What follows are some edited extracts from it. Twenty-five years is a significant milestone for any organisation but particularly for us considering numerous challenges over the years. Many people didn’t even think we should exist, let alone last this long. I think there’s no doubt we are the trusted voice of the industry and tonight we’re going to celebrate that. A number of you have travelled to be here tonight – from Japan, our sister association in Australia and throughout New Zealand and even Invercargill. I’d also like to welcome our special guests. Maurice Williamson, the former Minister of Transport, has been a really good friend to the association and the industry. Barry Saunders, our strategic adviser on political issues in Wellington, has opened doors for us with politicians and government departments. Adam Poulopoulos was heavily involved in setting up VINZ. We started VINZ to provide choice and competition, and Adam was involved in the research. Gerald Lawrence was instrumental in getting accreditation for VINZ. I would also like to welcome our many colleagues from other associations including the MTA, Motor Industry Training Association, Employers and Manufacturers Association, and the Motor Industry Association. Our involvement with them in some way or another has been important to our success. I also have some apologies tonight, particularly from John Nicholls, our first chief executive and the patron of the association, Ron Brown, who was involved with seatbelt anchorage testing, and Mark Gilbert, past chairman of the MIA. They all send their greetings and best wishes. There are some people to thank. Firstly, a huge vote of thanks to our sponsors – Armacup, Autosure, Autohub, Jacanna, Jevic, Nichibo, Ports of Auckland and Vinz. I would also like to thank the motor-industry media, which does an excellent job informing the industry and government of our major issues. 4 Media Ltd, the publisher Autofile, has commissioned the writing and publication of a history of the industry and the association – From the Rising Sun to the Long White Cloud. Special thanks to Jackie Russell, who wrote it. Autofile and Autotalk compete vigorously for our advertising dollars and news stories. They work separately, but in parallel to ensure we can celebrate this occasion. That’s the way we like it and it’s a great example of two principals that run through our industry – operation and competition. It’s not always pleasant or easy. We see dealers swapping stock and doing deals with each other at wholesale level, and then competing vigorously for the retail trade. We see logistics providers sharing and swapping space, and competing for the freight bookings. These principals help make our industry so successful, so thank you Autofile and Autotalk. After 25 years, it’s a good time to look back. Since we started as the Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers Association, we have been committed to advocating for the issues of those in the importation, sales and process of used vehicles. We believe our industry needs strong representation. We’ve done that for 25 years and we’re going to keep on doing it. Since 1988, we have imported more than 2.5 million vehicles. That means over 60 per cent of vehicles started life as a used import, so it’s not an exaggeration to say that it has changed transport in New Zealand. The international trade of used vehicles is a good thing. It has delivered widespread benefits to all New Zealanders and the environment. This industry’s about recycling and reuse on a grand international scale, and it has given New Zealanders more fuel-efficient vehicles. Kiwis now own safer vehicles than they otherwise could afford. The road toll dropped when New Zealand started importing used vehicles, consumers had greater choice and value for money, and competition ensured better prices. And the economy, cost of living and inflation are direct results of used imports, while thousands of people are employed. There have been international relations and cultural exchanges with Kiwi dealers regularly going to Japan, becoming unofficial ambassadors for New Zealand, learning about a different culture, and developing friendships and business relationships that have stood the test of time. It’s about commercial opportunities for importers, exporters, dealers and service providers. As is so often the case, New Zealand has been the incubator for a trend that’s recognised worldwide. New Zealand was first country to import them in commercial quantities and today more than 100 countries import used vehicles from Japan. It’s also important to acknowledge our relationship with government departments. In the past, our relations with government were nearly always confrontational, sometimes to the point of legal action. We started life in a fight against government actions. Now we enjoy excellent relationships with many departments, including the Ministry of Transport, NZTA, Ministry for Primary Industries, NZ Customs, the EECA and Ministry for the Environment. The court cases and campaigns of the early days evolved into a much more collaborative approach. The association and some of its members have been accredited by government departments to provide services. This shows the progress that’s been made by the industry and government. Our rules, processes and systems in used vehicles are probably international best practices. All of this hasn’t been easy. We’ve had to break new ground and overcome numerous obstacles, but we have succeeded due to no small part of the commitment of people in the association over the years. Our industry should be proud of our achievements and you all deserve to be congratulated.